Josh Dacres-Cogley admitted he could barely have had a happier birthday as he helped Wanderers to one of their best wins of the season, writes Pete Oliver.
Dacres-Cogley marked his 28th birthday with the second goal in a thumping 5-0 victory over Oxford United.
Ian Evatt’s men couldn’t quite match the magnificent seven they put past Exeter City in November but produced one of their slickest performances of the campaign to add to Dacres-Cogley’s celebrations.
“It was perfect. A goal, win at home. What more can you ask for?” said the Wanderers’ wing-back who returned to the Whites’ starting line-up to punish some scrambled Oxford defending and coolly put the Whites 2-0 up at the break.
“It's probably what I was picturing in my head this morning and it's come to fruition so I'm really happy.
“We needed that. We needed a reaction, especially after the last couple of weeks. We needed to make more of our chances and get some goals away and we did that tonight.
“I think in the last couple of games we probably deserved more but we needed to convert more of our chances. Sometimes that happens in football but it's how you react and I think everyone reacted top-drawer today.
“I think that's our standard and that's what we should be aiming for every game. Obviously, some teams set up differently but I think we're good enough to adjust to that and play what the game gives us and we are looking to do that against everyone.
“When we set that tempo and that ball speed and are not be predictable, I think we're probably one of the hardest teams to play against in this league. We just need to do that consistently and I think we'll be able to dominate teams like that week-in, week-out.”
Wanderers went past the 100-goal barrier for the season as they made it three wins from their last four home games and four unbeaten in all.
Image:Jake Horrocks
Dacres-Cogley was joined on the scoresheet by Nathanel Ogbeta as the Whites’ wide men carried a threat all night before Aaron Collins struck twice after the break – once thanks to a deflection from George Thomason’s goal-bound shot – and Josh Sheehan capped an outstanding collective display with the final goal.
The win – combined with results elsewhere – means Wanderers stay third in the League One table, one point behind Derby County in the second automatic promotion place.
The two sides now meet at Pride Park on Saturday in the Whites’ final game before an international break, with Dacres-Cogley relishing the prospect.
“It’s a big game. I’m looking forward to it and I think all the lads are now,” he added. “Everyone is chomping at the bit to get out there and play the game.
“Regardless of the break we need to handle every game like it’s our last and if we put in performances like tonight I don't think we'll have any worries. We just need to take care of our business and not worry about the other teams.”
Watch Josh's full post-match interview on Wanderers TV HERE